The quantities of chemicals that are stored within a laboratory should always be mimized.

Bulk quantities of chemicals should be stored in a separate storage area.

Transfer of flammable liquid from 5 gallon or larger metal containers should not be done in the laboratory.

Chemicals must be stored at an appropriate temperature and humidity level. Chemicals should not be stored near heat sources, such as steam pipes, or laboratory ovens.

Chemicals should be dated when received and when opened.

Materials and their containers should be inspected routinely. Indications for disposal include:-- Cloudiness in liquids-- Material changing colors-- Evidence of liquid in solids or solid in liquids-- Signs of container leakage-- Indication of pressure build up within container-- Obvious container deterioration

Chemical should not routinely be stored on the benchtops. Each chemical should have a specific storage location and be returned there after use. Only amounts needed should be kept on benchtops.

Laboratory shelves should have a raised lip along the outer edge to prevent containers from falling.

Liquid or corrossive chemicals should never be stored on shelves above eye level.

Secondary containers or trays should be used for chemical storage to minimize the flow of material should a spill or rupture occur.

Round bottom flasks must always be properly supported in cork rings or otherwise to prevent tipping.

Security must be provided to prevent unauthorized access to hazardous chemicals.

Flammable materials must never be stored in a domestic-type refrigerator. Only exposion proof or flammamble material refrigerators should be used for storage of laboratory chemicals.

All containers stored in refrigerators should be properly labeled and tightly capped.

Inventory the materials stored in your refrigerator frequently and defrost occasionally to prevent chemicals from becoming trapped in the ice formations.

Before storing chemicals in a refrigerator determine if keeping the material chilled will serve any purpose.

Never store peroxide formers (i.e., ether) in a refrigerator.

Never store materials or chemicals in a fume hood. This will seriously impair the ventilating capacity of the hood.

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